Dunnes Stores Back to School Range Is Here and Worth Shopping Early

It’s only June. The sun is out (for now), the kids are still in school)just about), and September feels like a lifetime away. And yet, here you are, already thinking about whether last year’s jumper will survive another wash. We see you. We are you.

The good news is that Dunnes Stores has already launched its Back to School range for 2026, and honestly, getting in early this year might just be the move. Prices start at genuinely wallet-friendly levels, and the range covers everything from P.E. kit to that first-day-of-school shirt that needs to look perfect for the photo.

The Everyday Essentials That Actually Hold Up

Any parent who has watched a perfectly decent school jumper pill itself into oblivion by October will appreciate what Dunnes have done here. Crew necks start from just €4 and feature what the brand calls New for Longer technology, which is designed to keep them looking newer across the school year. Given the punishment a primary school jumper takes on a daily basis, that’s not a small thing.

The cotton-blend jumper (from €3.75) comes with anti-pill technology too, and if you’re buying multiples, the price point makes stocking up feel far less painful. Pair that with the classic 3-pack of cotton polos (from €5) in a range of colours, and you’ve got the core uniform sorted without breaking the bank.

For schools with a sportswear requirement, the range includes soft fleece joggers from €6, breathable fleece shorts in 2-packs from €10, and stretchy leggings from €8. All designed with moisture management and improved fits, which is the kind of detail that matters when your child is tearing around a yard in all weathers.

New Starters, This One’s for You

If you’ve got a little one heading into Junior Infants this September, the mix of excitement and mild panic is entirely normal. The uniform prep alone can feel overwhelming. Dunnes have thought about the practicalities here in a way that genuinely helps.

The 3-pack shirts and blouses (from €7) have easy-iron finishes, boned collars and double-stitched seams, so they hold their shape through repeated washing and still look crisp. The zip-front pinafores are available in 2-packs from €11, and smart trousers and permanent-pleat skirts round out the options for whatever your school requires.

For younger kids still figuring out the routine, there are expandable cuffs and Velcro fastenings throughout the range. On a frantic Tuesday morning when you’ve already asked three times and they still can’t find their lunchbox, Velcro is a gift.

Getting Ahead (Without the Stress)

The smartest thing about shopping the Dunnes Back to School range now is the breathing room it gives you. Sizes sell out. Queues happen. August arrives and suddenly everyone is in the same panic at the same time. Buying a few key pieces in late June or July, before the rush, means one less thing on the list when things get hectic.

The range also includes adjustable waistbands and alterable hems throughout, which is genuinely useful for children who are growing at speed and might be in-between sizes. It removes that familiar September dilemma of whether to size up and risk it swimming on them, or size down and risk it being too small by Christmas.

The full Back to School range is available in Dunnes Stores nationwide and online at dunnesstores.com, with two-day delivery available.